An explosion at an Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) facility in Decatur, Illinois, on Sunday evening caused injuries to several employees and resulted in a towering column of smoke. The incident took place at around 7 p.m. at the east plant within the ADM processing complex. Eight workers were injured and subsequently transported to a local hospital, according to a statement by Decatur Fire Department Deputy Chief Dan Kline. Fire crews were able to gain control over the fire overnight. The cause of the explosion is still unknown, as ADM stated on its website that they had no additional information at that time.

Videos and images from the scene depict a significant plume of dark smoke rising high above the facility. Decatur, located around 40 miles east of Springfield and 180 miles southeast of Chicago, serves as the headquarters for ADM. The company released a statement on its website, confirming the injuries of several employees and expressing its lack of knowledge regarding the cause of the blast. The Decatur Fire Department was contacted by ADM, and investigations into the explosion are ongoing.

The explosion, which occurred within ADM's complex in Decatur, caused extensive damage to the East Plant, as evidenced by images captured after the incident. The subsequent fire resulted in heavy smoke billowing from the premises, requiring the intervention of city fire officials. While the exact number and condition of the injured employees remain unknown, the company acknowledged that they were promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment. The blast's impact was powerful enough to shake nearby homes, as reported by neighbors to WAND. However, no residential areas required evacuation, according to the Decatur Fire Department.

Authorities from multiple agencies are actively monitoring the situation and are expected to release further updates as the investigation progresses. Representative Nikki Budzinski (R-IL) expressed her concern and stated that she and her team are in contact with local officials regarding the incident.

This explosion marks the third fire incident at an ADM facility this year. Less than three months ago, firefighters battled a challenging inferno at the same plant, which resulted in two responders being hospitalized. In April, another explosion at ADM's west plant injured three employees. The recurrence of such incidents raises concerns about safety protocols and the potential risks associated with ADM facilities.

As more information becomes available, this remains a developing story, and further updates will be provided.